Newtown residents and visitors can expect to see a new initiative aimed at promoting better school attendance among primary school students in the town.

Mayor Cllr Mike Childs will be presenting at a upcoming town council meeting, highlighting the concerning increase in absences since the disruptions caused by Covid-19.

According to the motion, primary school absences in Newtown have nearly doubled, making it challenging for children to progress in their education with frequent interruptions.

The Mayor's proposal seeks to support schools in their efforts to improve attendance, recognizing the importance of regular school attendance for students' academic success.

Under the motion, Mayor's prizes will be offered to pupils in primary schools, including Ysgol Cedewain, for good attendance.

The Mayor will utilise his senior allowance to fund the prizes, with no budget changes required.

Each school will receive a prize fund of £20 per class, and the individual schools will determine the criteria for the awards and how the prize pot is divided among students.

The inaugural round of prizes is set to take place in the Autumn Term of 2024, covering the school sessions in September, October, and November. Prizes and certificates will be distributed in December, ideally in an assembly attended by the Mayor.

Further rounds of prizes will be considered in the future.

Passing the motion not only allows for the prizes to be given in the name of the entire council but also enables school governors to cite the initiative at their meetings.